From Fish Bomber to a Marine Lover

Captain Mameng, or fondly known as Pak Damsek, faced the harsh realities of fish-bombing when a tragedy took the life of a dear friend. Then a fish bomber himself, the tragedy made him realized that injuries and fatalities due to fish bombing -- using explosives to stun or kill schools of fish for easy collection -- are real and could happen to fishermen and innocent bystanders.

As a result of the tragedy, Pak Damsek decided to turn over a new leaf. Today, the local of Maliangin Island works with WWF-Malaysia to combat fish bombings in the Kudat-Banggi Priority Conservation Area (PCA).

Read on as Pak Damsek shares his views and hope for the fishing community in the area.

WWF: When did you join WWF-Malaysia?PD: I joined in May 2006 as a temporary skipper. After three months, I was confirmed as a staff member, and appointed as Captain of Mameng (the official boat of WWF-Malaysia Kudat PCA).

WWF: What is your role in the organization?PD: It is my responsibility to ensure that the boat is always in good travelling condition. When there is a need to use Mameng for activities, I will make the necessary preparations such as ensuring that the fuel is sufficient, the engine is at its optimum functioning state, and that all safety equipment such as fire extinguisher, GPS, binoculars and first aid kit are available on board.

WWF: How do you spend your days now?PD: If Mameng is not out at sea for activities, I will be on stand-by to receive calls from WWF-Malaysia staff. I have to ensure the fuel is always sufficient. When Mameng is docked, I am responsible to ensure that Mameng is always in its optimum condition and clean. I will also need to repair minor damages, if spotted.

WWF: What did you do before WWF-Malaysia?PD: From 1971 to 1976, I worked as a commercial fisherman for a trawler. Subsequently in the 80s, I worked for Hume Sabah in Kota Kinabalu. Not too long after, I decided to return home and be a fisherman until I was hired by a man who is keen to search for sunken treasure around Maliangin Kecil, Timbang Dayang and Malubang until 2000.

After that, I was a skipper for UMS with Dr Lela, Dr Ranjit and Dr Rizuan for five years and assisted them in conducting dugong surveys around Banggi, Balambangan, Malawali, Mandi Darah, Tigabu, Mausal dan other islands in Sabah.

WWF: How did you spend your day before joining WWF-Malaysia?PD: Before this, I was a full-time fisherman; hence my working schedule depended on the tide and season. Working as a laborer before, I worked from 7.30am to 5.00pm, completing tasks as given by the work site supervisor.

WWF: How do you feel about the shift, the current change?PD: Since working with WWF-Malaysia, I feel proud of myself because I am able to learn so much about managing the environment and conserving the marine ecosystem. Marine ecosystem is the source of livelihood for fishermen, hence we should learn to manage and conserve it for future generations.

WWF: Do you want a better living? PD: Yes I do, because a better living provides assurance for better future.

WWF: What do you think about changes for the better? PD: I am planning to develop a resort that will promote the beauty of Maliangin Besar that is rich with marine species and coral reefs which could attract tourists from all around the world and eventually support my family and provide job opportunities for my fellow mates from the same village. Once the resort is running, I will have my children working in Kuala Lumpur return home to assist in the management of the resort.

WWF: Do you know of any fish bombers who are still conducting the dangerous activity?PD: I do not know of any fish bombing incidents now as these activities have ceased, but if it does happen, it may be somewhere beyond my supervision.

WWF: What do you do to convince them to stop the practices?PD: I have advised them to stop because fish bombing not only endangers human lives but also destroys coral reefs that are homes for fish, our source of income.

WWF: How do you imagine the future will be in 5, 10, 15 or 20 years from now?PD: In 5-10 years time, if there is no strict enforcement and public awareness, fish bombing incidents may get out of control and permanently destroy the reefs in Kudat-Banggi area and eventually affect fishermen’s livelihood.

WWF: What do you think the public could do to bring about change? PD: Members of the public should provide information to enforcement agencies or related authorities to halt fish bombing and cyanide poisoning activities in the area.

Please note that
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